Constellation in Glass

Stepping softly onto the oak footstool in the study to escape the evening draft, I found a heavy, clear glass paperweight resting beside an old brass pen tray. I paused, resting both hands against its cool, curved surface to peer deep inside. Trapped within the solid crystal were dozens of tiny, spherical air bubbles, suspended like motionless stars. Working carefully with both hands, I eased the weighty orb across the green leather blotter into the warm beam of the desk lamp. The focused light struck each trapped bubble, scattering a tranquil constellation of golden flecks across the wood. I leaned close, content to watch our quiet little galaxy keep watch over the night.